More than 16,000 citations were written for electronic distracted driving in the first 10 months of 2022, government statistics show. That amounted to about 3.3 million pounds in fines. London accounted for well over a third of the ticketing. 2022 was the first year under tougher distracted driving laws in the UK. The government plans to close a loophole in the country's handheld mobile phone law. The loophole -- which allowed the taking of photos, scrolling for music and playing games -- was used by some drivers to beat distracted driving charges. Roads minister Baroness Vere said: "We’re … [Read more...]
NY mayor sends texting message
February 21, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Hizzoner isn't playing when it comes to distracted driving. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio directed his police detail to stop and cite a motorist for texting while he was traveling on FDR Drive in Manhattan over the weekend. "I just said, ‘Pull her over, take whatever enforcement action you would take in that situation. Give her some on-the-spot education,' " de Blasio told reporters a few days later, while pushing his new traffic safety initiative under the Vision Zero umbrella. "I'm happy to be citizen patrol here," he added. De Blasio said he didn't know if the woman was told the … [Read more...]
Tech hangover for drivers cited
October 23, 2015 by 2 Comments
The process of "readjusting to the task of driving" after using wireless communications devices presents a "hidden and pervasive danger," according to a AAA report. Researchers found that driver distractions can persist for almost a half minute after use of some cell phones and in-vehicle information systems. The AAA said its study reveals that hands-free technologies such as in-vehicle voice-activated systems can distract drivers "even if their eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel." "The results indicate that motorists could miss stop signs, pedestrians and other … [Read more...]
Google points finger at distracted drivers
July 17, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Google's self-driving cars have been hit 14 times, all the fault of humans operating other vehicles, the technology's developers say. "Not once has the self-driving car been the cause of the collision," Google's project leader Chris Urmson says in a blog post. "Instead, the clear theme is human error and inattention." Put another way: "Our self-driving cars are being hit surprisingly often by other drivers who are distracted and not paying attention to the road." Ouch. The most recent incident, well publicized, came in early July when a vehicle hit one of Google's modified Lexus … [Read more...]
U.S. drivers: Get tough on texting
June 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Three out of four U.S. drivers support tougher punishments for text messaging and driving, a recent poll suggests. There was little support for the current penalties, which vary widely and are for the most part established by states and municipalities. More than half of those surveyed in the National Safety Council poll backed the use of a point system that would eventually lead to a loss of the driver's license or increased insurance premiums. A majority also backed "large monetary fines" and escalating penalties for serial offenders. "Most people recognize that it will take more than … [Read more...]
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